University of Queensland Rugby Football Club Juniors

In 2018, University of Queensland Rugby Football Club (UQRFC) and Taylor Bridge Rugby Club (TBRC) are joining to form UQ Junior Bull Sharks.

After 106 years as one of Australia’s Premier rugby clubs – winning 29 premierships, producing over 200 Reds, 65 Wallabies and 9 Wallaby captains, 2018 marks the first year the juniors will take the field in the famous maroon and sky blue.

The merger enables UQRFC to directly invest, grow and develop the game at the grass roots level, building on the fantastic community club that TBRC has become after 26 years.

Goals of the merger are;

Increase participation across all junior age groups

Develop the game of rugby in Brisbane’s Western suburbs through sending development officers into schools and the community

Grow participation of girls in rugby

Provide professional coaching resources to the juniors

Provide a genuine pathway from junior to senior rugby for boys and girls.

TBRC will continue to be administered, play and train at Graceville Memorial Park, however be known as the UQ Junior Bull Sharks.

The merger reflects the close relationship between the two clubs – three members of Uni’s 2017 Premiership winning team are Taylor Bridge Old Boys, Adam Korczyk, James Dalgleish & Alex Horan, all now planing NRC for Brisbane City.

“There are well documented challenges in Australian rugby resulting in limited grassroots investment” says UQRFC President Mick Zaicek. “Premier clubs are taking on more responsibility and this partnership allows us to contribute directly to the growth of rugby in Queensland. We have a long and proud history, especially in women’s rugby and are very excited to be able to share our experience with such a fantastic junior club”.

TBRC President Ed Hibbard said, “As the incoming President I couldn’t be happier, our relationship with UQ Rugby and support we receive is fantastic, but this takes it to another level. With the support of such a successful senior club we will be able to do as much more to grow and develop our players, the club and our games. I’m a little bias as my daughter plays at the club but I have been especially excited to hear UQ’s thoughts and aspirations for growing girl’s involvement in rugby.”